The Investment Issue
Investing in what's important
When you hear the word investment, maybe you think of finances or stocks. Perhaps banking or business partnerships. However, there are many forms of investment that pertain to our everyday lives.
Some people invest in themselves by eating healthy and working out. Some people invest in others, forming relationships and striving to be the best partner, friend or parent that they can be. In reality, we all practice a form of investment every day. In these pages, we will dive into the ways you can invest in your community, your home and your surroundings.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that little investments into my daily routine have enhanced my quality of life. Whether it’s carving out a fun date night with my husband or spending 20 minutes for an at-home spa treatment, these small investments have paid off for me over time.
To discover different ways to invest, we talked with Dorothy Allan of Allan Retail Group to detail how people can invest in land purchases and feel comfortable with real estate decisions.
We also spoke with members of the Little Elm Economic Development Corporation on exciting new projects coming to the city, thanks to resident input and needs. These city investments aim to not only improve the lives of the people living in Little Elm and the surrounding communities, but to add a higher quality of living to the Lakeside area.
If there is one thing that we want to reiterate to you, our loyal readers, is that it is worth taking the time to invest in the things and people you love. This is your journey, and the sky is the limit to invest in your curated essentials.
Cheers to making the right investment for you!
ALEXIS JACKSON, PUBLISHER
@LAKESIDECITYLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Alexis Jackson | alexis.jackson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Gabrielle Bailey | gabrielle.bailey@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Shannon Spake | shannon.spake@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jason Laumer | jason.laumer@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Amber McMahan
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
city scene
1: The Little Elm Chamber of Commerce celebrates a ribbon cutting for Kernetics Wellness Center. 2: Little Elm Public Works gave Cobb MS students a tour of the wastewater treatment plant. 3: Aubrey Citizens University is back! The city offers ACU to educate residents about their government. 4: Congratulations to Cottonwood Creek Marina for winning Small Business of the Year! 5: The Little Elm Friends of the Library held its annual Trivia Night. 6: The Sakiewicz family enjoys the beautiful spring weather. 7: Sherry Sutton's Heart of the Hustle podcast and vodcasting studio is now open!
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LITTLE ELM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LITTLE ELM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NICOLE SAKIEWICZ
CITY OF AUBREY
TOWN OF LITTLE ELM
LITTLE ELM CHAMBER BANQUET AWARDS
LITTLE ELM CHAMBER
business monthly
Huffines Subaru Corinth
Huffines Subaru Corinth believes in making a difference, one act of kindness at a time. As part of the Subaru Loves to Help initiative, they're committed to supporting those in need within the community.
Whether it's through donating warm clothing for the winter, supporting local shelters or providing resources to those facing challenges, the organization is here to lend a helping hand. Visit Huffines Subaru Corinth's dealership to learn more.
Scan to read more
Olivia Clarke Homes
Don't miss out on Olivia Clarke Homes’ exclusive, limited-time offer on select move-in ready homes and take advantage of a special low introductory interest rate.
Olivia Clarke Homes is here to help you discover your dream home. Reach out to a sales manager today!
Hounds Town Little Elm
These experts in dog management offer daycare, boarding and spa services for all pups. Hounds Town Little Elm gives an affordable, straightforward approach to pet care with no hidden fees. Regular daycare is shown to improve dogs’ psychological well-being as well as correct behavioral issues.
Call Hounds Town Little Elm to schedule a free evaluation and free day of daycare at 972-645-1060. Scan
Photography by Huffines Subaru
Photography by Olivia Clarke Homes
Photography by Hounds Town Little Elm
UNLOCKING INVESTMENT POTENTIAL
Dorothy Allan aims to help find the perfect space for your investment to grow
ARTICLE BY SHANNON SPAKE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER MCMAHAN
When it comes to real estate investments, finding the right physical space is more than just a financial decision—it’s a strategic move that can define the future of your business or overall investment.
“There are multiple ways to invest in land or real estate,” Dorothy Allan, Allan Retail Group
Dorothy Allan, an experienced market analyst and commercial real estate professional, is dedicated to guiding her clients through this intricate process. With a strong focus on education and strategic planning, Dorothy ensures that business owners and investors are equipped with the insights needed to make well-informed decisions in the competitive real estate market.
“There are multiple ways to invest in land or real estate,” Dorothy explained, “What it boils down to is what has that particular parcel or lot been designated for through the city planners as usage.”
Every city has planners who sit down and determine the appropriate usage for an area. Before diving into land investment, it’s crucial to define the objectives. Are you looking for a fast, high-yield return or do you seek a long-term appreciation of your asset?
Do you want a hands-on approach in managing your investment or would you prefer a more passive role?
Dorothy emphasizes the importance of aligning real estate investments with business and personal goals to create a strong foundation for success.
Unlike buying a residence for the family, commercial real estate is as simple as building a business case; it is either positive or negative. One of the most effective strategies for making a smart investment is conducting a Free Trade Area (FTA) analysis. This involves assessing market conditions, demographic trends and consumer behaviors in a targeted location. Dorothy works closely with her clients to identify high-traffic areas, local economic trends and the presence of complementary businesses that can drive foot traffic and sales. She recommends using the following strategies:
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UNDERSTANDING THE POTENTIAL RETURNS
Investing in land and commercial real estate presents a range of financial opportunities. Depending on the property type and location, investors can benefit from rental income, long-term appreciation, or even business expansion. Dorothy assists clients in evaluating different asset classes—from commercial buildings to agricultural land—to determine the most lucrative investment strategy. She helps investors assess potential returns by analyzing property values, market demand, and revenue-generating possibilities, ensuring they make data-backed decisions.
BUILDING A SOLID BUSINESS CASE WITH REAL DATA
A successful land investment strategy requires more than just intuition; it demands a well-structured plan backed by facts. Dorothy helps clients develop financial models that consider acquisition costs, potential revenue streams, property appreciation and operating expenses. She also provides insights into zoning laws, tax incentives and regulatory requirements that can impact profitability. By creating a clear investment plan, business owners and investors can secure funding and move forward with confidence.
DEFINING YOUR LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT
One of the key considerations in land investment is determining how involved to be in managing property. Do you want to own agricultural land and lease it to farmers or do you envision managing a commercial building with multiple tenants? Some investors prefer a hands-off approach, hiring property management firms to handle leasing and
“The more time you take to understand what your goals are, the more value a realtor can provide and achieve your goals are faster.”
maintenance, while others take a direct role in overseeing daily operations. Dorothy helps investors assess their management preferences to align with their desired level of involvement.
Before seeking a commercial realtor, take the time to assess specific goals. Do you prefer to have something free standing that you can lease or would you rather build something? Perhaps you are looking for a monthly residual income with a pre-leased building with a cap rate.
“The more time you take to understand what you goals are, the more value a realtor can provide and achieve your goals faster,” Dorothy said.
PARTNERING WITH AN EXPERT
Navigating the complexities of land investment and commercial real estate requires expertise and foresight. Dorothy’s experience
and strategic approach empower investors to make well-informed decisions that align with their financial goals. By partnering with a dedicated professional, an investor gains access to industry knowledge, market insights and personalized guidance that ensure investments are positioned for success.
FINDING THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR GROWTH
A business’s success is closely tied to its location. Whether you’re looking to establish a retail presence, secure a high-visibility office space, or invest in a growing commercial area, Dorothy is committed to finding the ideal space. She works diligently to match businesses with locations that align with their brand, customer base and operational needs.
BUSINESS IS BOOMING
ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE BAILEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LITTLE ELM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
HOW THE TOWN OF LITTLE ELM FOSTERS THE COMMUNITY BY INVESTING IN LOCAL GROWTH
Has anyone told you recently that Little Elm has a lot going on?
The Little Elm Economic Development Corporation and Town of Little Elm have been busy for the last year, and staff aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
In December, the Little Elm Economic Development Corporation announced that a Target and Kroger will be built, providing a significant boost in the town’s economic landscape. Target will be at the southwest intersection of Ryan Spiritas Parkway and US 380, and Kroger on the northeast corner of FM 2931. Target is expected to open in the spring of 2026.
While the Kroger doesn’t have an opening date yet, Little Elm Economic Development Manager Jennifer Eusse said these two new additions to Little Elm will be an incredible investment for the area.
“The new retail stores will create a variety of job opportunities which help provide residents with stable incomes,” she said. “Both developments also contribute to our local sales tax revenues which are then used to help fund essential services throughout our community.”
Already, potential tenants are inquiring about renting space within the shopping center where the Target will be located. Eusse said there is 53,725 square feet of retail space available next to the Target development. Staff expect these developments to attract shoppers from surrounding areas, ultimately benefiting local businesses such as restaurants and retailers.
Jennette Espinosa, Executive Director of Little Elm Economic Development, said grocery stores like Kroger are always a hot commodity since they provide essentials to all residents while anchoring shopping centers. She said that grocery stores and major retailers attract quality tenants, which creates longevity and a stable economic environment.
Jennifer Eusse (left) and Jennette Espinosa work diligently with new businesses coming to Little Elm.
Espinosa added that the town's current lease rate is 92.74% occupied, proving that the town of more than 60,000 residents has become a popular place to live and continues to grow.
Recent business openings include a mix of entrepreneurs along with popular brands such as Stella’s Ice Cream, Kebabs To Go, Simply French, Pinch A Penny Pool Patio and Spa, Casa Mia and Domingos.
Other upcoming businesses include Thai In Town, Uptown Cheapskate, Ace Hardware, Jamba Juice, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Chipotle.
“In 2024, we welcomed 127 new businesses to Little Elm,” Espinosa said. “New commercial construction was valued at $61 million. In addition, there are 408,120 square feet committed to future development projects. We have also seen an upward trend in national brands inquiring about doing business in Little Elm.”
Espinosa and Eusse hinted that more development opportunities are coming down the pipeline in Little Elm that embrace the modern, yet cozy lakefront feel of the North Texas town.
“People are looking for unique experiences and in order to be competitive, business owners have to stand out,” Espinosa said. “Great food, great customer service and a cool atmosphere are all vital to encouraging patrons to choose one option over another. We feel confident we will be bringing all of those components to town.”
Town staff also hope that bringing in these big retailers will allow visitors to see the beauty that the community has to offer. The town is characterized as a lakefront community with a variety of single-family neighborhoods and master-planned communities, making it an ideal place for families to grow.
People move to Little Elm to enjoy lakeside living, walking the town’s trails and other outdoor recreational activities. Chad Hyde, Assistant Town Manager for Little Elm, said Cottonwood Park is another development that will be ready for families to enjoy along the shores of Lake Lewisville.
“The park features 19 day-use pavilions, making it a premier destination for gatherings and outdoor activities,” Hyde said. “Its unique combination of natural beauty and thoughtfully designed amenities sets it apart from other parks in the area.”
Hyde said the town took a strategic approach in developing the park, making sure the timing was right. She said it will be built out in three phases, with Phase 1 finishing up in early spring.
“Cottonwood Park will offer an experience unlike any other in the region,” Hyde explained. “It will feature a unique playground, breathtaking waterfront views, a lighthouse, four state-of-the-art turf baseball fields, an award-winning marina, a kayak launch and a network of trails that seamlessly connect to the town’s existing trail system.
Hyde added that the future phases will bring even more features, including a restaurant, zip line courses and additional recreational amenities. She also said there is a possibility that the park can host community events and that the park will be a “game changer” for residents.
“Its development reflects our commitment to enhancing the town’s recreational offerings while preserving the natural beauty of our lakeside setting,” Hyde said. “We’re excited to welcome the community to enjoy this incredible space for years to come.”
Little Elm town leaders arrive for a special groundbreaking of Cottonwood Park.
Thai in Town is a new restaurant coming to Little Elm.
“IN
HOUSEPLANTSThe Perfect Roommate
AN INDOOR GARDEN SANCTUARY
The ubiquitous houseplant has long been a cautious curiosity for many. Comments such as “I don’t have a green thumb,” or “I can’t keep anything alive,” have echoed through the rooms and hallways of almost every home in America. Well, it’s time to dispel all the mistruths about whether houseplants are beneficial and to lay the foundation for a little oasis of green happiness in the corner of every home!
By the way, you don’t really need a green thumb as there are plenty of hard-to-kill houseplants that can survive any level of neglect! And remember not only do houseplants look pretty, they also decrease stress and anxiety, increase happiness, and bring a sense of joy and relaxation to every room.
ARTICLE BY SEAN O’KEEFE
Houseplants make us feel better about ourselves in many ways because they allow us to care for them and we reap the rewards of that love. No one is alone when you have a houseplant, as they are our forever listeners. Yes, some people actually do talk with their houseplants all day long! There are many science-based benefits to having houseplants in the home and office environment. Aside from reducing indoor air pollutants and increasing humidity in the
home, house plants have been shown to reduce mental fatigue, accelerate the healing process, as well as improve productivity and focus.
Pothos, spider plants, lady palms, yucca, and succulents are so pretty and easy to grow. It is no wonder that we have seen a revival of indoor gardening trends. Instagram is teeming with photos of incredible indoor “living green” vignettes that show us all how clever we can be when decorating with house plants! All you
There are many sciencebased benefits to having houseplants in the home and office environment.
really need is to a pick a place in the home that has the best light and pick your plants.
Think outside of the box when it comes to decorating with houseplants. Look for underused spaces. Use mixed and matched pots of different sizes and shapes. Turn a shelf into a plant display. Go vertical with some hanging plants or an antique ladder. You can even group some of your favorite plants together into a single large decorative pot.
Signature large plant displays anchor the most well-designed rooms in America and it’s all there for us to look at, learn from, and bring into our own home. Whether combined into a single large decorative pot or clustered together in a corner, always remember the key to any house plant décor is to have a thriller, a tall plant usually with a strong color and form; filler plants that literally will fill the pot covering all the soil; and a spiller plant that trails over the edge
of the pot. Try any combination of your favorite plants or a tried and true combination of a fiddle-leaf fig, a prayer plant, and a string of pearls.
No matter how you look at it, houseplants improve our lives in many ways. Indoor gardens provide us an alternative way to commune with nature and to reconnect with the living world. We all benefit from the additional life that houseplants bring into our homes. In this crazy world of ours, wouldn’t be it nice to return home to your own personal indoor greenspace. Happy gardening!
Create a Water-Wise Garden with Native Plants Your garden can be a beautiful oasis while conserving water year-round by choosing native plants! These resilient species are perfectly suited to the local climate, requiring less water, fertilizer, and maintenance compared to non-native options. Whether you ’ re growing food, enhancing curb appeal, or attracting pollinators, native plants
INVEST IN
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANIE JONES
YOUR GREENS
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
FAMILY TIME is the Best Investment
These simple, yet intentional ideas can make the best memories.
EAT DINNER TOGETHER AS A FAMILY.
This meaningful time around the table is where connections happen. Let everyone share good moments from the day or something they struggled with. Create a jar of conversation starters, exchange giggles and cook up something delicious.
CREATE SURPRISES
Everyone likes to feel special – and surprised. The littlest things make the biggest impact: A backyard picnic; a sleepover in an indoor fort; an after-school ice cream treat; a bathroom spa day.
CREATE FAMILY TRADITIONS
Build weekly or monthly traditions –movie nights with popcorn, board game marathons, a gratitude jar, evening bike rides, living room dance parties, even a family book club to discover old favorites and new reads.
EXPRESS LOVE AND GRATITUDE
In busy seasons, it’s easy to forget to let a loved one feel appreciated and thought of. Tuck a hand-written note in a lunch box or give an unexpected hug; spend time sharing what you’re thankful for about them.
KEEP GENERATIONS LINKED
Consider Sunday meals with grandparents or weekly phone calls if distance separates. Invite them to share their childhood stories and treasured memories. Start a yearly family scrapbook filled with favorite photographs and vacation souvenirs.
APRIL 10TH
Toddler Time Pancake
Breakfast
417 Lakefront Drive | Little Elm | 9:00 AM
Enjoy a special breakfast with the littles at The Cove at The Lakefront, where pancakes, juice and coffee will be provided for the whole family. Children over 2 years of age will need a $5 Toddler Time admission pass, though children under 2 can participate for free. Visit www.thecoveatthelakefront.com for more information.
APRIL 12TH
Eggtastic Easter
Little Elm Park | 11:00 AM
Join in with neighbors, family and friends for this city-wide Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will be flying in on a helicopter and will provide photo opportunities. There will also be a bubble artist, DJ, bounce houses and food and marketplace vendors. Parking and admission will be free.
APRIL 12TH
GreenFest on the Greenbelt
Greenbelt at FM 428 | Aubrey | 7:00 AM
GreenFest on the Greenbelt is an event centered around health, wellness and recreation. Participants of all ages are invited to run one mile, a 5K or a 10K, then enjoy food, music, vendors and activities for the whole family. Runners in the 5K and 10K will receive a swag-bag, event T-shirt and finisher medal. Register at www. runsignup.com/Race/TX/Denton/ GreenFestontheGreenbelt
MODEL OPEN
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APRIL 13TH
Venardos Circus
Little Elm Park | 2:00 PM
Head to Little Elm Park for the final day of the Venardos Circus, where guests can see a unique Broadway-style circus performance dedicated to younger generations. Can’t make it on April 13? The circus will be at Little Elm Park starting on April 3. Times vary on the day, so visit venardoscircus.com/little-elm-tx for more information.
APRIL 19TH
Easter Egg Hunt
10429 Providence Cedar Lake Drive | Providence Village | 2:00 PM
Enjoy an afternoon filled with fun and laughter at Lake Providence Park, which will host a massive Easter Egg Hunt. Eggs will be stuffed in all sorts of nooks and crannies, guaranteeing fun for the whole family. Games, food, prizes and market vendors will be on site. Admission is a $2 entry fee per child.
APRIL 26TH
Mom and Son Swim, Surf & Slide
417 Lakefront Drive | Little Elm | 7:00 PM
Head to The Cove at The Lakefront for a day of water fun just for moms and sons. Pizza, drinks, desserts and fun swag will be provided. Visit www.business.littleelmchamber.com to purchase tickets to an unforgettable family bonding experience.
